John Junior Thomas (1922-2012) Obituary

John Junior Thomas (1922-2012) Obituary

GRACE — John Junior Thomas, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 7, 2012, in Preston, Idaho, at the age of 90. He was born September 17, 1922, in Turner, Idaho, to Elisha John and Esther Otilia Johnson Tarbet Thomas. John attended grade school in Turner and High School in Grace, Idaho. He was raised in Turner on the family homestead, working alongside his father and older brothers. Farming and ranching is what he loved. He enjoyed riding the range out north of Soda, where they summered the cattle.

He married Iona Ashbaker July 23, 1942. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple, July 21, 1952. They had four boys who also grew up on the farm.

John served on various boards, such as the Federal Land Bank, Gem Valley Grain Growers, ASCS and the Last Chance Canal Board, during the building of the Last Chance Power Plant.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a counselor and then as bishop of the Old Grace Second Ward. He served on the high council and was a dedicated home teacher. Later in life he and Iona served as officiators in the Logan Temple.

Services will be held on Friday, October 12, 2012, at noon at the Grace LDS Stake Center. The family will visit with friends on Thursday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Grace Stake Center and on Friday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be at the Turner Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of the Sims Funeral Home. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.simsfh.com .